It’s Here! The Villa’s FY 2011 Annual Report, “Strong Foundations,” is in the mail and is also available for downloading! Please click HERE to download your own copy.
Archive for 11/11 (November 2011)
Villa Pals Get More Than They Give
By Ann Frost, Villa Volunteer
I began my volunteer work at St Joseph’s Villa with two little boys when the Villa Pals program began. I was looking for something to do to try and make a difference with kids after retiring from 35 years of teaching in Chesterfield County. Little did I know, they would make the difference in me. These kids and this program have really touched my heart and have been an inspiration to me.
Jada and Ann
My latest little one has been a young lady full of energy and spunk. She has kept me busy and made me laugh each time I am with her. From the moment I got her from whatever activity she was involved in, until I returned, she kept me on my toes. We played lots of games, did a little art work (not really her thing) but mostly she just wanted to engage in pretend play. Her imagination was really something!!
We started trying to ride her bike in the Spring when the weather began to improve and we could be outside. She gave up rather quickly when it did not come easy to her. I tried to encourage her to keep trying but she was not interested. When someone came to take our picture for the newsletter her interest was sparked again. On different days we would take out the bike and try riding it in the grass in case she fell. Finally on our last day together I convinced her to give it a try on the hard surface of the road. She was very hesitant but went along with me. I got her started and away she went. She rode about 50 feet, jumped off and turned to me with her arms up in the air….”I DID IT!”, she screamed. The joy on her face brought tears to my eyes. She then had to stop anyone that went by and had them watch her ride her bike.
This program has been such a success not only for the children but for the volunteers as well. My time with these kids has been such a rewarding experience. Thank you to St. Joseph’s Villa and all who are responsible for making this happen. I cannot imagine my life without my little ones!
Visit the Villa Tree in Downtown Richmond!
Visit the Villa Tree!
St. Joseph’s Villa is participating in the 2011 Miller & Rhoads Charity Christmas Tree Contest this December. We hope you will visit (and vote for!) our tree.
From December 6 until January 6, almost 50 trees will be on display at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Richmond, site of the old Miller & Rhoads department store. You can look at the trees and then visit http://christmastreecontest.com/trees/ to vote for your favorite tree (which we hope is ours!).
On January 6, there will be an event to auction off the trees and to raise money for area nonprofits, including St. Joseph’s Villa. Please check it out! And Happy Holidays!
Season of Hope “Adoptions” Are Completed!
We are pleased to report that all of the children requesting gifts through the Season of Hope program have been “adopted” by individuals, companies or organizations. This program provides each child at the Villa with the specific gifts he or she has requested. THANK YOU for making a child’s holiday wishes come true!
